Santa Cruz animal control workers rescue obese cat

Midnight, an 11-year-old cat who weighs about 50 percent more than her healthy weight, had to be rescued after she got stuck in a fence in Santa Cruz Monday evening. (Courtesy Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter)

An 11-year-old cat that weighs much more than it should was rescued from a Santa Cruz post office after it became stuck in a fence, authorities said.

Midnight, who weighs 14.4 pounds but for her age and size should be closer to 8 or 10 pounds, was found stuck in a fence at the post office on Morrissey Boulevard in Santa Cruz around 5 p.m. Monday, said Todd Stosuy, an animal control officer with the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter.

Midnight had tried to squeeze through the fence, but her hips got stuck, Stosuy said. A post office employee called the animal shelter, and animal control officer Michael Sharp was sent out to help free the cat.

Authorities found a microchip on Midnight and were able to contact her owners, who live nearby.

Stosuy said pet obesity is an important health issue that most pet owners don’t like to discuss.

“I think it’s one of those touchy subjects that a lot of people don’t really talk about,” he said. “It’s easy to go into someone’s backyard and see an animal with excessive fleas and mange and say there needs to be some behavior modification. Obesity in animals is not something that’s talked about, but it’s just as damaging to an animal’s life.”

Overweight pets can suffer from related health problems like diabetes, arthritis and heart disease that could lead to a shorter life. Pet owners should monitor their pet’s weight and make sure their pet is eating the right amount of food.

“It’s kind of like with humans,” Stosuy said. “Proper diet and exercise, and you’ll have a long healthy life. Food is not love.”

Stosuy also said that microchipping, which many animal shelters offer, helps authorities contact pet owners in times of urgency, such as if a pet is found injured and needs medical treatment.